Audi's 2026 F1 Car Completes Shakedown Run in Barcelona
Audi's 2026 F1 car, the R26, completed its first shakedown in Barcelona. This marks a significant step for the German manufacturer's debut season, with Mattia Binotto tempering expectations despite the positive progress.
Audi has taken its first major on-track step towards its 2026 Formula 1 debut, completing a shakedown run of the R26 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The event marks a significant milestone for the German manufacturer following its finalized takeover of the Sauber team. This initial run, limited to 200km on demonstration tires, provides the first real-world data for the project led by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.
Why it matters:
Audi's entry is one of the most anticipated changes in the recent history of F1, bringing a massive automotive powerhouse and its resources into the sport. This first shakedown is the tangible proof of progress after years of planning and development, signaling the start of a new competitive era. For a team that has struggled at the back of the grid, this represents the beginning of a complete transformation with the goal of becoming a front-runner.
The details:
- The shakedown took place at Barcelona, the same circuit that will host pre-season testing later this month.
- The car, running in a special livery, was limited to 200km and used Pirelli's demonstration tires, not the 2026-spec compounds.
- Official Launch: The team's official car presentation is scheduled for January 20 in Berlin.
- Driver Lineup: The driver pairing remains Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2026 season.
- Binotto's Take: Former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, now COO at Audi, urged patience. He highlighted Audi's vast engine-building experience as a key asset but stressed that 2026 is a learning year and immediate success shouldn't be expected.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to the official car launch in Berlin, where the team will unveil its final livery and provide more details about its 2026 ambitions. Following that, all eyes will be on pre-season testing to see how the Audi-powered Sauber performs against the established competition. While Binotto has tempered expectations, the entire F1 paddock will be watching closely to gauge the true pace of the German giant's highly anticipated arrival.